Noise from commercial and military jet aircraft causes environmental problems for communities near airports, obliging airplanes to follow often complex noise-abatement procedures on takeoff and landing. It can also make aircraft interiors excessively loud.

Chinese state media report that experts say the country could face a catastrophe if it fails to quickly resolve environmental problems caused by the massive Three Gorges Dam.

Results from a UK e-Science project are helping to solve two pressing environmental problems. One finding could help to avoid arsenic contamination of drinking water extracted from man-made wells.

The Chinese government says criticism of the country's carbon dioxide emissions are "unfair," and says western companies manufacturing in China should share the blame.

Dutch scientist Gatze Lettinga has been awarded the Tyler Environmental Prize for a wastewater treatment system that is making an impact in the developing world. Mike O'Sullivan reports, the process offers inexpensive treatment of industrial waste and sewage in countries that cannot afford centralized systems.

Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso has defended his environmental record from harsh criticism for problems that include floods and notoriously dirty air. Chad Bouchard reports from the Indonesian capital.